McLaren Vale Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

McLaren Vale
McLaren Vale
McLaren Vale
McLaren Vale
d\'Arenberg Wines
Enjoy watersports, visit historical buildings, explore a shipwreck and go on wine-tasting tours in one of South Australia's oldest wine regions.

For nearly 200 years, the landscape and soils of McLaren Vale have been producing wines, among them shiraz, tempranillo and cabernet. With more than 100 vineyards, there is no shortage of places to stop and sample local varieties. But the region also has a lot more going on beyond its wine production. Hike through the picturesque countryside, visit historic towns and relax on a beach.

Find superb wines across the region by going on organized or self-guided wine tours. One way to reach some of the wineries is to walk or cycle the 5-mile (8-kilometer) Shiraz Trail. The route follows an old railway line through the scenic surroundings, passing wineries and olive groves.

Combine your wine tastings with exploration of other McLaren Vale attractions. Experience even more of the beautiful scenery by walking or cycling along the many dedicated paths. Go bushwalking in the Onkaparinga River National Park and kayak on the Onkaparinga River, the second longest in the state.

Sample cheeses, chutneys and other local produce at the Willunga Farmers Market, held every Saturday morning in Willunga's town square. Among the town’s other sites of interest are the 19th-century old courthouse and police station and the old post office and telegraph station. Visit additional old buildings in the historic towns of Clarendon and Old Reynella.

Spend some time in the town of McLaren Vale, browsing boutiques and art galleries and dining in its restaurants.

Relax on one of the beaches along the region's extensive coastline. Dive the wreck of the Star of Greece at Aldinga Beach, surf and swim at Moana Beach and snorkel and scuba dive the reef at Port Noarlunga.

The easiest way to get around to McLaren Vale's wineries, beaches and historic towns is in a rental car. Get to the region in about 45 minutes by car from Adelaide, a journey of about 25 miles (40 kilometers). There are also bus services between the city and some of the region’s towns.


Popular places to visit

Activities


Our pick of the best McLaren Vale Hotel Deals

Serafino McLaren Vale
Serafino McLaren Vale
4 out of 5
39 Kangarilla Road, McLaren Vale, SA
Fully refundable
The price is AU$185 per night from 28 Apr to 29 Apr
AU$185
includes taxes & fees
28 Apr - 29 Apr
Stay at this 4-star motel in Adelaide. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the clean rooms in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (658 reviews)
"The restaurant was really lovely - recommend it for dinner. Staff were also very welcoming. Great to see all the birds around the premises and also great it was close to a walking/ biking trail. Would definitely go again."

Reviewed on 21 Apr. 2025

Serafino McLaren Vale
Hilton Adelaide
Hilton Adelaide
5 out of 5
233 Victoria Square, Adelaide, SA
The price is AU$127 per night from 11 May to 12 May
AU$127
includes taxes & fees
11 May - 12 May
Book a stay at this luxury hotel in Adelaide. Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), 24-hour room service, and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,006 reviews)
"Walking distance to CBD. Clean but it shows its age"

Reviewed on 21 Apr. 2025

Hilton Adelaide
Stamford Plaza Adelaide
Stamford Plaza Adelaide
5 out of 5
150 North Terrace, Adelaide, SA
The price is AU$161 per night from 27 Apr to 28 Apr
AU$161
includes taxes & fees
27 Apr - 28 Apr
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Adelaide. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,016 reviews)
"."

Reviewed on 19 Apr. 2025

Stamford Plaza Adelaide
Mayfair Hotel
Mayfair Hotel
5 out of 5
45 King William Street, Adelaide, SA
The price is AU$195 per night from 23 Apr to 24 Apr
AU$195
includes taxes & fees
23 Apr - 24 Apr
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Adelaide. Enjoy free WiFi, a rooftop terrace, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the bar and the helpful staff ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,007 reviews)
Perfect location for Theatre & shopping & restaura
"Birthday treat- stay & drinks @ rooftop bar followed by short walk to show @ Festival Theatre- fabulous buffet breakfast before 11am checkout! Super comfy bedding - large bathroom with top quality products!Enjoyed complimentary drinks & snacks in mini bar - will be back again soon."

Reviewed on 20 Apr. 2025

Mayfair Hotel
Holiday Inn Express Adelaide City Centre by IHG
Holiday Inn Express Adelaide City Centre by IHG
4 out of 5
30 Blyth Street, Adelaide, SA
The price is AU$134 per night from 27 Apr to 28 Apr
AU$134
includes taxes & fees
27 Apr - 28 Apr
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Adelaide. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,015 reviews)
"Would have loved to have a late checkout as my flight was in the late afternoon but was not provided one. Breakfast was okay but not great as it had no dairy free and gluten free options."

Reviewed on 19 Apr. 2025

Holiday Inn Express Adelaide City Centre by IHG
Pullman Adelaide
Pullman Adelaide
5 out of 5
16 Hindmarsh Square, Adelaide, SA
The price is AU$165 per night from 27 Apr to 28 Apr
AU$165
includes taxes & fees
27 Apr - 28 Apr
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Adelaide. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,004 reviews)
"Great hotel, very uncomfortable with the crackheads in the park, not ideal bringing a young family nearby"

Reviewed on 15 Apr. 2025

Pullman Adelaide
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Other neighbourhoods around McLaren Vale

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Port Willunga

Port Willunga might not have many top sights, but Port Willunga Beach and Aldinga Scrub Conservation Park are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Port Willunga
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Port Noarlunga

While visiting Port Noarlunga, you might make a stop by sights like Port Noarlunga Jetty and Port Noarlunga Beach.

Port Noarlunga
Aldinga Beach

Aldinga Beach

Travellers like the beaches in Aldinga Beach, and Aldinga Beach is a top attraction you might want to visit.

Aldinga Beach
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Brighton

Unique features of Brighton include the beaches and restaurants. Make a stop by Brighton Beach or Brighton Jetty while you're exploring the area.

Brighton
Glenelg showing heritage architecture and a park

Glenelg

Enjoy the stunning beaches in Glenelg. Jetty Road is a worthwhile stop, and you can jump on the metro at Jetty Road (Stop 16) Tram Stop or Moseley Square (Stop 17) Tram Stop to see more of Adelaide.

Glenelg
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Stirling

You'll enjoy the restaurants and gardens in Stirling. You might want to make time for a stop at Stirling Markets or Service Woman's War Memorial Reserve.

Stirling


McLaren Vale Travel Guide

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